Boho Hiking Elopement at Drift Creek Falls
When I think about what makes an elopement so special, I think of days like Meredith and Lauren’s. Their hiking elopement day at Drift Creek Falls was the perfect blend of adventure and ease, cozy moments and epic backdrops.
These two crafted a day that felt completely their own—starting in a misty, mossy forest with a sunrise hike and waterfall vows, followed by a cozy brewery lunch, cake, and champagne, and ending on the foggy shores of Neskowin Beach. Their elopement was a freaking dream, and I was honored to be there to capture it!
Starting Their Hiking Elopement Day at Drift Creek Falls
We met at the trailhead right as the first light of the day was brightening the sky. Meredith and Lauren had originally discovered this stunning spot from a previous blog post I wrote, and when they told me it spoke to them, I was so excited! This location is one of my all-time faves!
Located about 45 minutes from Lincoln City or Neskowin, this 3-mile round-trip trail winds through old-growth forest, crossing a dramatic suspension bridge and ending at a waterfall. It’s relatively easy, but it can get slick down near the falls, so sturdy hiking shoes are a definite must, but also consider bringing hiking poles. It’s a winding one-lane road with logging trucks often present to get here, so please be careful and drive slowly. But the reward at the end is SO worth it!
Meredith hiked in wearing comfy clothes, changing into her dress before the first look, just before the suspension bridge. These sweet moments before the vows were quiet, peaceful, and full of love. We made our way down to the base of the falls, where they exchanged vows surrounded by the sounds of rushing water.
Brewery Lunch & Mid-Day Break
After hiking out, we headed to Lincoln City for a celebratory lunch in a brewery. Lincoln City is home to several amazing breweries, and this time we chose Pelican Brewery.
This break was the perfect way to reset before the second half of the day. I love it when couples choose to work in time to relax and just enjoy each other’s company! After lunch, we all took a mid-day break to rest. Then, we met back up at their lodging in the early evening, where Meredith and Lauren got back into their wedding clothes for some “getting ready” photos since we didn’t do those at the beginning of their day. This is the beauty of eloping. You can do anything you want!
Then they shared the cutest cake-cutting moment and popped the champagne, before heading out to the beach for cozy portraits in the fog.
Foggy Beach Vibes at Neskowin
Our last stop of the day was Neskowin Beach right down the street from their cute vacation home in Neskowin.This beach is known for Proposal Rock and the ghost forest of ancient stumps that peek out of the sand at low tide. It’s eerie and beautiful, especially when wrapped in fog like it was for us that evening.
It was quiet and romantic, and it felt like the perfect way to close out their day.
Kind Words from the Couple
“I don’t know if it was fate or just really good luck that brought us to Erica’s website when looking for a photographer for our PNW elopement. My future wife and I didn’t exactly know what we wanted, but we got everything and more when we found Erica. From our first interaction, she had a way of putting us completely at ease with all the stress of planning a wedding…even a small elopement!
Her knowledge of the area, of weddings, and of photography is apparent. Erica listened intently to our wants and asked very thoughtful questions to help us figure out what those wants actually were. Throughout this process, Erica really became a friend, which made all the time we spent together on our wedding day so comfortable, just like hanging out with your buddy who happened to be taking pictures of one of the best days of your life.
We cannot thank Erica enough for the time and energy she put into making our elopement come to life! And we have gorgeous pictures hanging on our walls to remember the day forever!! The hardest part is having to decide which ones to print out because they were ALL SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I would have ZERO doubts recommending Erica to anyone looking for a magical PNW experience. Thank you!!!!!! forever grateful, Meredith and Lauren”
Planning Your Own Hiking Elopement Day at Drift Creek Falls?
Meredith & Lauren’s hiking elopement is the perfect reminder that your day can be whatever you want it to be. You can hike, take breaks, change outfits, eat good food, pop champagne, cozy up on the beach, and make it all so freaking special.
Want to plan a hiking elopement that blends adventure with chill vibes, forest waterfalls with ocean fog, and all the personal touches your heart desires? Let’s make it happen! I’ll help you scout the best elopement locations, build a stress-free timeline, and document every beautiful moment along the way.
If you’re still looking for an Oregon elopement photographer, hey, I’m Erica, and I’d LOVE to meet you. Be sure to check out my Oregon elopement packages and reach out to me via my inquiry form here!
Vendors
Dress: June Bridals
Flowers: Aster Flora
Cake: My Petite Sweet
Brewery: Pelican Brewing
Vow Books: Etsy
